Dr. Charles Edwards, Former CEO of First Reintegrated Scripps, Dies at 87

Dr. Charles Edwards, chief executive officer of the first reintegrated Scripps, died Aug. 7 at the age of 87.

In 1977, Dr. Edwards was appointed president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation. His vision was to build it into a larger multi-specialty clinic that was recognized as one of the top medical providers in the country.

He led the Clinic through a time of spectacular growth from 1977 to 1990. The number of doctors increased from 75 to more than 500, Anderson Outpatient Pavilion was built and several satellite clinics were established around the San Diego region.

In 1991, Dr. Edwards became CEO of Scripps Institutions of Medicine and Science. In that role he led the integration of Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation and Scripps Memorial Hospitals and became the first CEO of the reunited entity.

In addition to his roles at Scripps, Dr. Edwards made enormous contributions in positions that had national, and international, implications on health care. Those positions included vice president at the American Medical Association; commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; and assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

“Dr. Edwards remained an active supporter of Scripps even in retirement,” said Scripps President and CEO Chris Van Gorder. “He had a magnetic personality and was one of those guys that everyone would look at when he came into a room. Dr. Edwards’ contributions to Scripps are an important part of our history and I find comfort knowing they will live on through the outstanding care we provide to patients each and everyday.”